54" mower deck, belt problem...please help!

3360 Views 10 Replies 6 Participants Last post by x595, Jul 23, 2009

ww8423

Discussion Starter · Jul 21, 2009

Hello to all. New to the forum, but was great to see everyone excited as I am about my JD and found a ton of useful information. Thanks!

Here's what I need input on, if anyone has experienced this same issue. I have a GX335 with a 54" mower deck. Bought new in 2006 (I think). Recently my secodary drive belt on the deck started "flapping" real bad. So bad that it wore the plastic guard pretty badly on the left hand blade spindle. As the belt comes off the idler pulley and goes to the left of the deck, the belt flaps so bad that it wore out part of the plastic guard that covers the left hand spindle. Additionally, just as I started to notice it happening, it broke the idler pulley arm. I replaced the idler arm and also replaced the belt (Thought maybe the belt had stretched and lossened up, thus causing the flapping.) The dang thing is still flapping! Not replacing the plastic guards as they hold too much debris underneath them. Still though, can't get the flapping to stop. The dealer can't explain what it might be, although I have not run it up to them to look at. They say maybe the idler spring has lost some tension. I put another spring along side the original one to assist with tension just to see if that would work and was part of the problem. Still a lot of flapping. Any thoughts? Love my Deere and worried to death that something worse will happen if this goes on too long.

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WVdeerehunter

· #2 · Jul 21, 2009

Check that left spindle. It may not be
turning freely. Also check to make sure
that the belt is lined up properly (level).
Something may be bent.

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Paul J

· #3 · Jul 21, 2009

Check the drive pully on the engine and see if it has been "squeezed" in one spot or has tree sap on it. PJ

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x595

· #4 · Jul 21, 2009

Hi ww8423 , :Welcome1:

My MIL has a 2000 345 - 54" MMM , her idler pulley arm broke also , I took it off and went to the Dealer , luckily he had one in stock ... I asked if they could change it out for me because at her house (no vise and no wrench for that huge nut) so while BS-ing with the Dealer , long time friend , the tech comes out and showed me the bearing was shot in the idler pulley , so he pressed a new one in and everything is fine , hope this helps ...

Later,x595

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ww8423

Discussion Starter · #5 · Jul 21, 2009

All suggestions could be possibilities....I'll check them out when I get home from work today. Never thought about any of the three suggestions but I have checked my belt and it is running level coming from the idler. Sap in the drive puller could be a problem as well as bearings...Thanks for the help!...gives me somewhere to start. I'll follow up when I look into everything suggested so far.

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ww8423

Discussion Starter · #6 · Jul 22, 2009

Thanks to all who helped with my deck/belt problem. Final result?...and I am almost embrassed to say...a piece of a dang pine cone had gotten wedged inside the left spindle pulley! I believe, that because of the black plastic guards that JD puts over the pulleys, a piece of pine cone had gotten inside the left guard and as a result of not being able to get out, it found it's way into the groove of the pulley and jambed in there. I removed my belt to check bearings and such and just happened to notice that thing being in there. I had to actually use a screw driver and hammer to remove the dang thing! Once removed, everything is fine and running as smooth as a baby's bottom! Thanks again for the help!

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x595

· #7 · Jul 22, 2009

Good deal , easy fix !!!

Later,x595

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JimC_Vt

· #8 · Jul 22, 2009

They just don't make pinecones like they used to....there tougher nowadays....Ever eat a pine tree ????? Jim

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ww8423

Discussion Starter · #9 · Jul 23, 2009

yep...easy fix...it's always the little things that get under your skin...or in this case, the pine cone that get's into your pulley...LOL

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Rich R

· #10 · Jul 23, 2009

Those belt guards on the deck are a ridiculous invention. They look good - but they do nothing. They collect dirt and debris under the pulleys that you can't get out and I'm sure contribute to the bearings & spindles going bad. I've removed them on my JD x320. Previous to my JD, I removed them on my Wheelhorse and never once had a bearing or spindle go bad in 25 years.

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x595

· #11 · Jul 23, 2009

Rich R said:
Those belt guards on the deck are a ridiculous invention.

I agree , I took them off of my late JD 445 and my present JD X595 , tossed them in the garbage , don't need them , deck is easier to keep clean with the air compressor without them ...

Later,x595

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